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University holds election for a new Chancellor

The new Chancellor will take over from HRH Prince Philip, who served from 1976 until June this year.

The University of Cambridge is holding an election today and tomorrow for a new Chancellor. Four candidates are standing:

Mr Abdul Arain: a local shopkeeper who initially stood as a protest against a new Sainsburys being built near his shop. He wants to save Cambridge from becoming a 'clone town', and to reconnect the university with the local community.

Mr Brian Blessed: the actor and mountaineer, who his supporters say will bring humour and charisma to the role. They also claim his lack of political affiliations will be a unifying force.

Mr Michael Mansfield: a socialist barrister who specialises in human rights. He wants to protect the university from privatisation, cuts and any attempt by government to influence university decisions.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: the Labour peer and former chairman of the Sainsburys supermarket chain. He is a graduate of King’s, and received an honorary law doctorate from the university in 1997. He wants to ensure that the university continues to be a global catalyst for innovation and humanitarian advancements.

Voting will take place in the Senate House from 10am to 8pm today and tomorrow, and all votes must be cast in person. Only members of the Senate of the University are eligible to vote, which means anyone who has taken the Cambridge MA or a Cambridge doctorate.

Votes will be counted on Sunday, and the results will be announced as soon as they are known. For more details see the University's election web pages.

Members of King's who would like to visit the college during the election can find the privileges available to them on the King's members' website.